Bexhill News, July 2026, Issue 49

JULY 2026 | ISSUE 49
YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR BEXHILL, COODEN, SIDLEY, PEBSHAM AND SURROUNDING AREAS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LOCAL NEWS • EVENTS • FEATURES • MOTORING • SPORT
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HOMES AT NORTHEYE — P4
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2 NEWS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
WELCOME
AS I write this, we are right
in the middle of the latest
heatwave to hit the UK.
I’m not one to complain about a bit
of hot weather — in this country we
have to be grateful for any rays we’re
given from the yellow thing in the sky.
What does worry me though, is how
volatile the country is when we have
adverse weather.
I know this heatwave has been
different to any others we’ve had,
being that it’s broken many records,
but I feel we are just not ready for
warmer, or, colder weather. Let’s face
it, whether it’s global warming or not,
things are progressively getting hotter
in the summer, and our winters are
getting colder.
During this heatwave, most school
children were either forced to stay at
home, or the schools had half days —
they’re just not prepared or ready for
adverse weather conditions. Many
of the schools are old and maybe
don’t have the funds to invest in air
conditioning or heating upgrades — so
the kids miss out on their education.
I know there’s a lot more problems
to fix in the world, but I think all of
us need to think a little more about
protecting not only ourselves, when
things aren’t ‘normal’, but also our
children. Why should they miss their
education, because the schools can’t
invest? Something just isn’t right.
When it gets hotter than normal,
we fear the water will stop flowing
from the taps, and when it gets colder
than normal, we fear the water will
stop flowing again!
Stay safe.
Paul Gibson, Group Editor
THE TEAM
PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR
paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
VIKTORIA COWLEY — FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS
viktoria@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
MIKE LEGG — SPORTS REPORTER
sports@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
DEAN COOK — PRODUCTION
design@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
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without express permission of the editor.
High Street boost as The Works
confirms store plans
A popular national retailer has
confirmed plans to open a new store
in Bexhill, providing a welcome
boost for the town centre following a
string of high-profile shop closures.
The Works, which sells bestselling
books, arts and crafts supplies,
stationery, toys, games and gifts,
says plans for its Bexhill branch are
progressing, although an opening
date has yet to be announced.
A spokesperson for The Works said:
“We’re pleased to confirm plans are
still underway for a new The Works
store in Bexhill-on-Sea. We look
forward to sharing further details,
including an updated opening date,
in due course.”
The announcement comes as a
welcome boost for the town centre
following a number of high-profile
retail closures over the past year.
Among them was independent
gift retailer Maybugs, which
Police seize e-scooter in
Bexhill safety crackdown
entered creditors’ voluntary
liquidation earlier this year, closing
all four of its stores in Bexhill,
Eastbourne, Hailsham and Royal
Tunbridge Wells.
POLICE have seized an e-scooter
in Bexhill as officers continue to
respond to a growing number
of complaints from residents
about their use.
While on patrol, Police Community
Support Officers spotted a rider
using an e-scooter on both the
pavement and the road before
stopping them in White House
Avenue. Police officers attended to
assist and the rider was issued with
a ticket for driving otherwise than
in accordance with a licence. The
Ukrainian Choir helps equip
Ambulance heading to Ukraine
A community choir from Bexhill has
raised a further £986 to help equip
an ambulance that will soon travel
from the UK to Ukraine, carrying
life-saving medical supplies to those
serving on the front line.
The ambulance itself has already
been purchased, thanks in part
to funds raised by Volya Voices at
previous concerts. The focus of
this latest fundraiser was to help fill
the vehicle with essential medical
equipment, including tourniquets,
trauma dressings and emergency
supplies that can save lives.
One of the choir members will
personally drive the ambulance
to Ukraine, while her husband is
currently serving on the front line.
For the choir, every piece of
medical equipment placed inside the
ambulance represents more than
just supplies. It represents another
chance that someone’s husband,
The award-winning business
had cited a combination of falling
footfall, rising costs and other trading
challenges before its closure.
It is understood that The Works
could take over the former Maybugs
premises in Devonshire Road,
although this has not yet been
officially confirmed.
The arrival of a recognised national
retailer is likely to be welcomed
by shoppers and businesses
alike, bringing a new occupier
to a prominent town centre unit
and helping to fill one of several
vacant shopfronts.
The Works operates more than
500 stores across the UK and
Ireland and is one of the country’s
leading value retailers for books,
crafts, stationery and family
entertainment products.
Further details about the Bexhill
store, including its opening date and
exact location, are expected to be
announced in the coming months.
e-scooter was also seized.
Bexhill Police say they are
continuing to receive a high number
of reports from residents concerned
about e-scooters being ridden illegally
in their neighbourhoods.
Officers are reminding the public
that privately owned e-scooters
are classed as motor vehicles and
cannot legally be used on public
roads, cycle lanes or pavements.
They may only be ridden on
private land with the permission
of the landowner.
Police warned that some e-scooters
are capable of travelling at high
speeds and are not toys, adding
that there have been a number of
incidents involving the vehicles,
including collisions resulting in
serious injuries.
wife, son or daughter may receive
help in time and return home alive.
Held at Beulah Baptist Church as
part of the Bexhill Festival of Music,
the concert brought together local
residents in support of Ukraine. The
choir would like to thank everyone
who attended, donated and supported
the event, as well as the wonderful
volunteers and congregation at
Beulah Baptist Church for their
kindness and hospitality.
Since forming in 2023, Volya
Voices has combined music with
humanitarian fundraising, providing
practical support for Ukraine while
sharing Ukrainian culture with
audiences across East Sussex.
For the members of the choir,
every concert is focused on
bringing communities together
and transforming generosity into
practical help for people living
through the realities of war.
Anyone wishing to support the
choir’s work or find out more can
contact volyavoices@gmail.com or
visit the choir’s GoFundMe page at
www.gofund.me/e7787cd6a

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4 NEWS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Homes England seeks
community views
on Northeye plans
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
To write to the editor, email:
letters@bexhill.news
RESIDENTS were invited to have
their say on proposals for new
homes at the former Northeye
Prison site as Homes England held
a series of community consultation
events in Bexhill.
Homes England, the Government’s
housing and regeneration agency,
organised a community drop-in
session at Little Common Community
Centre on 27 June, followed by a
second consultation event and
guided tours of the Northeye Prison
site on 2 July.
The events gave local people the
opportunity to meet the project team,
share their ideas and priorities for
the site, and contribute their local
knowledge through interactive
consultation boards.
Visitors were also able to sign up
for guided tours of the former prison
to gain a better understanding of
the site’s history, layout and future
development potential.
Homes England says feedback
gathered during the consultation will
help shape proposals for new homes
on the land, ensuring local views are
considered as plans progress.
Residents who were unable to
attend the events can still find out
more about the project and access
further information online at www.
newhomesfornortheye.co.uk, or
contact the project team by emailing
northeye@homesengland.gov.uk.
Councillor secures answers
after Bexhill traffic gridlock
Councillor Connor Winter
A BEXHILL councillor has secured
an apology and explanation
from UK Power Networks after a
weekend of severe traffic disruption
caused by temporary traffic lights
on the A259 Barnhorn Road.
Cllr Connor Winter, who represents
St Mark’s Ward on both Rother
District Council and Bexhill Town
Council, formally complained to
UK Power Networks (UKPN) and
National Highways after receiving
numerous complaints from
residents, motorists and businesses
affected by lengthy delays and
standstill traffic throughout Little
Common and surrounding areas.
The temporary multi-way traffic
lights were installed over the
weekend in late June, leading to
widespread congestion on one
of Bexhill’s busiest routes. Many
residents questioned why the
restrictions were in place when
no visible work appeared to
be taking place.
Following Cllr Winter’s
intervention, UKPN has now
admitted that a delay in removing
the traffic management system
was caused by an “unforeseen
resourcing issue” involving its traffic
management contractor.
In a response to the councillor,
UKPN explained that electrical
disconnection works were carried
out on Sunday afternoon and had
been deliberately scheduled outside
peak weekday periods to minimise
disruption. Temporary traffic
lights were installed on Sunday
morning to allow the work to be
completed safely.
However, while the work itself was
completed as planned on Sunday,
the traffic lights remained in place
until Monday morning because
the contractor responsible for
removing them was unable to do
so as scheduled.
UKPN said this was “not in line with
our expectations” and confirmed it is
now addressing the matter directly
with its traffic management supplier
to prevent a similar situation from
occurring again.
Speaking after receiving the
response, Cllr Winter said he
was pleased to have secured
answers for residents but stressed
that the disruption should
never have happened.
“Over the weekend, I received a
considerable number of messages
from residents and business
owners who were understandably
frustrated by the level of congestion
caused by these temporary traffic
lights,” he said.
“People experienced lengthy
delays, with traffic frequently at a
standstill, creating unnecessary
disruption across Little Common and
neighbouring roads.
“Residents understand that utility
works are sometimes essential and
that temporary traffic management
can be unavoidable. However, what
they could not understand was why
such restrictive measures appeared
to be in place when no visible works
were taking place.”
Cllr Winter had requested details
on why the traffic management was
introduced, what consideration
had been given to alternative
arrangements, and what measures
would be taken to prevent
future disruption.
In its response, UKPN confirmed
that the temporary traffic
management has now been removed
and said it is conducting an internal
review, with a particular focus on
ensuring adequate resourcing and
contingency arrangements are in
place to guarantee the timely removal
of traffic management once works
have been completed.
Cllr Winter has also copied Bexhill
& Battle MP Dr Kieran Mullan into
his correspondence and says he will
continue to press both organisations
for improvements to how future
utility works are coordinated.
He added: “The impact extended
well beyond Barnhorn Road,
affecting local businesses,
commuters, public transport and
residents trying to go about their daily
lives. I will continue to raise residents’
concerns and ensure lessons are
learned from this incident.”
UK Power Networks apologised for
the inconvenience caused and said
steps were being taken to ensure
similar issues do not occur in future.
Pedestrian safety works
underway in town centre
WORK is now underway on a series
of improvements designed to
enhance pedestrian safety in a busy
part of Bexhill.
East Sussex Highways has begun
work on Sea Road, Endwell Road and
Jameson Road as part of a scheme
aimed at making it safer and easier
for people to cross the road and move
around the area on foot.
The project includes the relocation
and widening of the existing
zebra crossing on Sea Road, as
well as carriageway resurfacing,
footway reconstruction and minor
drainage improvements.
Highways officials say the upgraded
crossing will provide a safer and more
accessible route for pedestrians,
particularly children, older residents
and people with disabilities.
The new crossing location has been
chosen to improve visibility for both
pedestrians and motorists, helping
to create a safer environment for
everyone using the road.
A spokesperson for East Sussex
Highways said: “This scheme will
make a real difference to pedestrian
safety in the area by improving
visibility at the crossing and creating
a safer, more accessible environment
for people using Sea Road.
“We know this work will cause
some disruption, and we would like
to thank residents, businesses and
road users for their patience while
these important improvements
are carried out.”
Most of the work is being carried
out between 6am and 7pm under
temporary traffic lights.
Some overnight road closures will
also be required later in the project to
allow resurfacing and the installation
of high-friction surfacing.
These overnight works are expected
to take place between July 17 and
July 23, operating from 7pm until
6am. Contractors have confirmed
that no noisy activity will take
place after 11pm.
The improvement programme is
scheduled to be completed by July 23,
subject to weather conditions and any
unforeseen circumstances.
Motorists are being advised
to allow extra time for journeys
while the works continue, while
residents can follow updates from
East Sussex Highways for the latest
information on traffic management
and road closures.
The scheme forms part of
wider efforts to improve road
safety and accessibility across the
county, creating safer routes for
pedestrians and enhancing local road
infrastructure.

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6 NEWS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Baby reunited with 999 call handler
and team who helped deliver him
A 999 Emergency Medical Advisor
(EMA) who helped guide a couple
through the emergency birth of
their baby has been reunited with
the newborn she helped bring
into the world.
Second-time parents, Grace
and Gary, from Bexhill-on-Sea,
have praised the South East Coast
Ambulance (SECAmb) team who
supported them when Grace went
into sudden labour, leaving no time to
reach hospital.
In the early hours of 6 November
2025, the couple were at home when
Grace suddenly went into labour. With
contractions progressing rapidly and
the birth imminent, Gary dialled 999
for urgent help.
EMA, Jess, picked up the call
and calmly guided them through
the delivery as emergency
help was arranged.
Jess said: “Calls like this can feel
intense, but it’s important to stay calm
and give clear guidance. Grace and
Gary did brilliantly, and it was a real
team effort to make sure everything
went as safely as possible.”
Within 10 minutes, the first
ambulance crew — Trainee Associate
Ambulance Practitioner, Spencer, and
Paramedic, David — arrived on scene
moments after baby Rex had been
born with Jess’ support over the phone.
They were quickly joined by,
Paramedic, Nigel, and Associate
Ambulance Practitioner, Charlotte,
and together the team worked quickly
to ensure Grace and Rex were well.
With out-of-hospital births,
maintaining a new-born’s temperature
is vital and the crews acted quickly to
keep baby Rex warm and stable while
carrying out initial checks.
After being assessed at home,
Grace and Rex were taken to
Conquest Hospital for further care
and monitoring.
“It all happened so quickly which
we weren’t expecting,” Grace said.
“All of the team was so reassuring
and we’re so grateful to everyone
involved helping bring Rex into
the world safely.”
Gary added: “We can’t thank the team
enough — especially Jess on the phone.
Her calmness helped us stay calm
throughout the birth.”
In a special moment following the
incident, the family were reunited
with Jess and the attending crews
at SECAmb’s Polegate Make Ready
Centre, giving Jess the chance to finally
meet baby Rex in person.
Jess said: “You never forget calls like
this, but you don’t often get to see what
happens afterwards. Meeting Rex and
his family was incredibly special and a
real reminder of why we do this job.”
For Spencer, Rex was the first birth
he had attended. He said: “When we
arrived, Grace and baby had already
done the hard work. Our priority was
making sure they were both stable
and keeping Rex warm, which is so
important in situations like this. It was
really special to be part of such a safe
arrival, and lovely to see the family
again afterwards.”
SECAmb responded to over 1,000
maternity-related incidents in the year
2024/25, reflecting the critical role call
handlers and ambulance clinicians
play in supporting births outside of the
hospital. Strengthening emergency
maternity care is a key part of the
Trust’s evolving models of care, with a
focus on delivering the right treatment
in the right place at the right time.
To support this, SECAmb
clinicians continue to work closely
with regional midwives through
shared learning, joint training and
improved communication. This
collaborative approach, led by
SECAmb’s Consultant Midwife, Dawn
Kerslake, is helping improve care for
women and newborns in pre-hospital
environments across the South East.
Now safely home, the family are
enjoying life as a family of four and
treasuring every moment with
their two boys.
Carnival gets ready for a
week of movie magic
WITH this month’s Bexhill Carnival
themed around the magic of the
movies, residents and visitors are
being encouraged to embrace their
favourite film characters and join
in a packed programme of events
taking place across the town.
The carnival celebrations begin
with a Quiz Night at Christchurch
Methodist Church on Saturday, 18th
July, giving film fans the chance to
test their knowledge and enjoy a fun
evening with friends and family.
Animal lovers won’t want to miss
the Movie-Themed Dog Show on
Sunday, 19th July, where four-legged
friends can dress up and compete
in a variety of entertaining classes.
Later in the week, the movie theme
continues with a Movie Quiz at
Wetherspoons on Monday, 20th July.
Bargain hunters can head along
to the popular Evening Boot Sale
on Thursday, 23rd July, where
visitors can browse for hidden
treasures while supporting the
carnival festivities.
One of the highlights of the week
promises to be Party in the Park
(Friday, 24th July), featuring music
from DJ Dan Hack, The Rockitmen
and special guest performers.
Alongside the live entertainment,
visitors can enjoy a fantastic selection
of local food vendors, bars, stalls and
Bensons Fairground Rides, all topped
off with a spectacular firework finale.
The grand finale of carnival week
arrives with the much-anticipated
Carnival Procession, which will make
its way through the town before
finishing at the Polegrove Recreation
Ground. Once there, visitors
can enjoy a packed programme
of entertainment featuring
performances from Dyamond Dance
and local music acts including Ruby
Fitzmaurice, Foundry, Route 259
and First Form.
The Polegrove site will be buzzing
with activity, offering a wide variety
of stalls, food and drink outlets,
family attractions and entertainment
throughout the day. Whether you’re
looking for great food, unique
gifts, live music or simply a fun day
out, there will be something for
everyone to enjoy.
As well as bringing the community
together, this year’s carnival is raising
money for two fantastic local causes:
Jack Jeffreys Superhero Trust and
Children with Cancer Fund. Every
event and activity throughout the
week helps support the valuable work
carried out by these charities.
With movie magic, live music,
family fun and a strong community
spirit, the Bexhill Carnival 2026 is
shaping up to be one of the biggest
and best yet. So grab your costumes,
gather your friends and family,
and get ready for a blockbuster
week in Bexhill.

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8 NEWS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LETTER TO SOUTH EAST WATER
CEO FROM BEXHILL RESIDENT
I refer to the email sent to your
customers, entitled “Let’s continue to
work together, to keep the taps flowing
for everyone”, which as a retired senior
professional Water Engineer, is an insult
with the knowledge and experience I am
now sharing with all.
Your Australian private investment
company owner has ensured, with your
cooperation over decades, that no extra
storage of winter rainfall etc has ever
been provided since your purchase from
public ownership.
Until that date, realistic future water
consumption (increasing population,
new industries, domestic appliance
efficiency, global warming were
projected and provided for). You have
also done little/spent little upon basic
maintenance of your plant and pipework,
the result millions of litres of leaked
water, pump failures etc., and your
personal Kent Disaster.
As the result of implementation of
the TIGRR report of 2021, prepared
by Duncan Smith and approved in full
by Boris Johnson, this implemented
a very ‘relaxed’ UK Regulation which
many, including your Company, took
full advantage of, to all UK customer’s
disadvantage including cost and
complaint resolution.
Because of those effects, the UK
electorate became very disillusioned
and remain so. It became clear that
by default, Companies were and are
prepared to absorb the current fines, as
it is cheaper than correcting their default
actions which would cost so much more.
In SEW’s case, this is reflected in you
suggesting it is the customer’s fault
you run out of supplied water, instead
of the truth — no new reservoirs and no
preventative maintenance, just reactive
maintenance. It saves you funding
revenue maintenance and capital works
from your annual net income.
This has made politicians, the media,
the regulators and the electorate,
much more vigilant and distrustful as
it affects them all directly (if only in
different ways.)
The long established practice by
industry of lobbying and employing
senior out of work Politicians is now
being given much more detailed media
attention eg the Private Eye magazine.
Thus encouragement/bribes and linked
questions in The House are now regularly
revealed to customers/electorate.
You provided me with a copy of your
accountant lead 50 year, so called
Management Plan, which in basic terms
provides no new reservoirs, but expects
your trapped customers to use less
of natures provision which you have
commandeered solely for profit and
not customer essential for a civilised
life. The proposals within this laughable
document would make a very good
TV documentary.
Politicians have until very recently just
let you get on with your money machine,
fines are passed on to your customers,
£50 rebate really does not cover what
your arrogant indifference over many
decades has cost your long suffering
customers and continues to do, now well
advertised on TV and the Internet. The
loss of your last CEO, was long awaited,
but much more change for your company
is now planned by outside bodies.
This last email of yours and others
continue to be passed to both influential
politicians, regulators, national papers
and TV Companies. A new Arlington
Reservoir once promised for 2030,
is now paused after your ‘exciting
proposal to get consumers to use
less water throughout the year’. You
continue to be surprised and unable
to plan for that both domestic and
commercial customers use more water
in the summer — these apparently are
getting hotter, yep both we, commercial
properties and summers. Your greed can
no longer be hidden nor excused. Shame
on you. Action is finally being taken by
those who care about customer safety
and water storage — obviously not SEW.
This has been copied to all
interested persons, groups, media, TV
and Government.
Mr.I.M.Griffiths CEng., MBIM — retired
but still sentient.
A PLEASURE TO READ
REAL LOCAL NEWS
DEAR Editor, I had occasion to
be in Bexhill the other day with
an hour to kill.
I decided to have a coffee in the 1066
cafe and remembered that I could pick
up a copy of June edition of Bexhill
News in Jempsons.
What a pleasure to read a newspaper
rather than scroll on my phone and
to catch up on news and events
of my home town.
Congratulations to everyone
at Bexhill News.
Gary Bisson
BEXHILL’S TIMEKEEPING:
A TALE OF TWO CLOCKS
DEAR Editor, I would like to thank
Spencer F. Cole for highlighting the
need to preserve our 1904 Coronation
Memorial Clock Tower (June 26 edition).
I share his passion for this historic
landmark; maintaining our local heritage
is essential to the character of Bexhill.
However, I believe the conversation
about timekeeping in our town can be
one of “both/and” rather than “either/
or.” While we must continue to preserve
our Edwardian history, we should also
look ahead to how we celebrate our
Modernist landmarks.
Beeching Road Car Park
Photo credit: Alexis Markwick
My proposal for a centenary clock at
the De La Warr Pavilion is intended as an
investment in our future. A world-class,
purpose-designed clock at the Pavilion
would not just be a timepiece; it would
serve as an iconic “destination” feature.
By creating a new point of visual interest,
we can attract further national and
international visitors to Bexhill.
International tourism is a significant
driver of local economies. By enhancing
the profile of the Pavilion — a site already
world-renowned for its architecture —
we can increase footfall that directly
benefits our local hospitality, retail, and
service businesses.
Bexhill is in a unique position where
we can both honour our past and invest
in the future. I hope we can find a way
to ensure our 1904 landmark remains
a source of pride, while simultaneously
creating a new, ambitious feature that
secures our town’s reputation as a
must-visit cultural destination for the
next hundred years.
Paul Minter
WHY CAN’T SUSSEX HAVE
ROADS LIKE NORFOLK
I have just spent a week on holiday in
Cromer Norfolk.
There was something missing on the
journey there and back and whilst there.
Not a pothole to be seen!
Why is it they can achieve good roads
and Sussex cannot?
Leslie Shadbolt
OPEN LETTER TO ROTHER
OVER BEECHING ROAD
PARKING CHARGES
DEAR Lorna Ford, For the last 50 years,
Rother has provided free parking to the
employees of Beeching Road, which I
always felt was Rother doing their bit
to support the companies, who for their
turn invested in the town.
The salaries paid by Furness Controls
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
To write to the editor, email:
letters@bexhill.news
and other companies in Beeching Road
is not an inconsequential sum, which is
going into the shops, restaurants and
other facilities in Bexhill.
Latterly, the NHS Diagnostic Centre
adjacent to the carpark had asked their
employees to park in what was the free
car park so that patients would have had
much easier access to the Diagnostic
facility without a steep uphill walk.
Following the decision to add a charge
to this particular car park, tucked away
in an industrial estate well away from
the town centre and beach that has all
changed. It would appear that Rother did
not consider the demographics of this
car park in that it is used solely by people
who work in the area and not shoppers
or causal visitors.
Thus as you will see from the
photograph, the forty or so daily users
have all found alternative, though
inconvenient, parking in other areas
some involving a significant walk
and inconvenience to surrounding
households. I have attached a
photograph of the now empty carpark
taken mid-morning.
It is ironic that far from bringing in
revenue the addition of the charges
has caused disappointment in Rother’s
support of local business, the NHS and
Community Bus having in the process
emptied what was a very useful carpark.
Having been a major employer in Bexhill,
with a staff of around 65, based in
Beeching Road for some 60 years and
always been keen to support Bexhill, I
am very disappointed.
Shelagh Huntbatch
HAVE YOU SOMETHING
TO SAY?
Send your letters to the editor by
emailing: letters@bexhill.news

10 NEWS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Data reveals thousands
of Rother households in
council tax arrears
ALMOST 1,900 people in Rother
were taken to court over unpaid
council tax during the last financial
year, according to new figures
released by the GMB union.
The union said a Freedom of
Information request sent to councils
across the South East showed
that 1,874 court summonses were
issued in Rother during the 2024/25
financial year.
The data also suggests that
15,535 council tax accounts in
the district are in arrears, with
the same number subject to debt
management proceedings.
Across the South East, GMB said at
least 146,010 people were taken to
court over council tax debt, with more
than 468,000 accounts in arrears and
an estimated £550 million owed to
local authorities.
The findings were released to
coincide with a special report
presented at the union’s annual
congress in Blackpool.
Rachel Harrison, GMB National
Secretary, said the figures showed
that the current council tax system
was ‘completely broken’.
She said: “Not only is the banding
system woefully out of date, but
forcing cash-strapped councils to
pursue 140,000 people through the
courts just to make ends meet can’t be
the right way to do business.
“Austerity left deep scars on all
our public services, which will last a
generation or more.
“Meanwhile, the lack of authority
funding often means low pay for the
Police appeal after
motorcyclist seriously
injured in Bexhill crash
people we rely on to look after our
loved ones, to take our rubbish and to
keep our towns and cities running.”
The union is calling for increased
central government funding for
local authorities, reform of the
council tax system and changes to
business rates.
The figures were compiled from
responses to Freedom of Information
requests sent to councils responsible
for collecting council tax across
the South East.
Bexhill Goes
Back to the 80s
for Spectacular
Free Festival
Photo, © Bliss Photography
A trip back to the decade of big hair,
shoulder pads and unforgettable
pop music will return to Bexhill
this July as the town hosts its
annual Bexhill Returns to the
80s celebration.
The free community event will
take place on Saturday, July 11,
from 10am to 7pm, across the De
La Warr Pavilion and seafront
lawns, promising a full day of live
entertainment, family fun and
nostalgic attractions.
Building on the success of previous
themed events celebrating the
Roaring Twenties, the Sixties,
Medieval times, the Seventies and
the Wild West, this year’s event will
transport visitors back to one of
Britain’s most colourful decades.
Headlining the live music
programme will be Wrong Jovi,
widely regarded as one of the
world’s leading Bon Jovi tribute acts.
They will be joined by 80s Zone,
performing classic pop and rock
anthems, while One Step Behind
will bring the hits of Madness to the
stage. Misha Dawn will perform
a tribute to Diana Ross, 80s on
Show will celebrate female chart
icons including Madonna, Cyndi
Lauper and Kylie Minogue, and The
Meyer Dancers will add authentic
1980s disco flair.
Visitors can also enjoy dance
performances, with My Charleston
leading the famous Footloose line
dance, alongside appearances from
Hastings Stage Studio and Bexhill
Musical Theatre.
There will be plenty for families to
enjoy throughout the day, including
a vintage funfair, Punch and Judy
shows and appearances by the
popular Watermill Wolves.
Classic vehicle enthusiasts can
admire dozens of iconic 1980s cars,
including the famous Knight Rider
KITT replica, while film fans can step
inside the world of Back to the Future
with a DeLorean time machine and
meet characters including E.T. and
Gizmo from Gremlins.
Visitors can also browse the Hill
Valley Market, sample themed 1980s
cocktails and soak up the atmosphere
at what promises to be one of Bexhill’s
biggest free summer events.
Organisers are encouraging
residents and visitors alike to dust off
their favourite 1980s outfits and join
in a day of music, nostalgia and family
entertainment on the seafront.
RNLI fundraiser raises
lifesaving support
POLICE are appealing for witnesses
following a serious collision on
the A259 near Bexhill which left a
motorcyclist with serious injuries.
Emergency services were called
to Barnhorn Road at around 4.50pm
on Sunday, June 7, after a collision
involving a grey Vauxhall Vivaro van
and a black Kawasaki motorcycle.
The incident happened close to the
petrol station at the junction with
Coneyburrow Lane.
The rider of the motorcycle, a
29-year-old local man, suffered
serious injuries and remains in
hospital receiving treatment.
The driver of the van, a
43-year-old local man from the
area, was uninjured.
Officers are now investigating the
circumstances surrounding the
collision and are urging anyone
who witnessed what happened
to come forward.
Police are particularly keen to
hear from anyone with dashcam or
CCTV footage showing either vehicle
travelling westbound from the Little
Common roundabout between
4.40pm and 4.50pm.
Anyone with information is asked to
contact Sussex Police online, quoting
Operation Clutton.
A fundraising evening organised
by Bexhill resident Paul Lucern
has raised valuable funds for the
Eastbourne branch of the RNLI
while paying tribute to his late
mother, Joyce Lucern.
The event, held at Eastbourne
Borough Football Club on Friday, 29
May, featured entertainment from
a host of well-known performers
including Rebecca, Steve Hewlett,
Anita Harris, Mike Osman, Maxwell
Thorpe and Tom Fitzpatrick.
Family members, including Paul’s
grandson Sonny Lucern and aunt
Jean Baker, joined supporters for
the evening, which was hailed
a great success.
Paul thanked everyone who
attended, the entertainers who
gave their time, and the many local
businesses that donated raffle prizes.
He also paid tribute to the RNLI
volunteers, saying: “Thank you to
Eastbourne RNLI for all you do in
saving lives at sea.”

12 NEWS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Emergency services drew
car fans to seafront display
FAMILIES enjoyed the chance to
get up close to emergency service
vehicles when a free display took
place on Bexhill seafront on June 28.
The event featured representatives
from the fire service, fire cadets,
police, ambulance service, RNLI and
HM Coastguard, giving visitors the
opportunity to meet local emergency
service personnel and learn more
about their work.
A collection of classic emergency
service vehicles was on display
alongside a number of American police
cars, which proved especially popular
with visitors, many of whom posed for
photographs with the vehicles.
Members of the organising vehicle
club also showcased their own
collection of emergency-themed
vehicles throughout the day.
The free event ran from 10am
until 4pm and attracted families and
enthusiasts for a day celebrating the
work of the emergency services and
the vehicles they use to help keep
communities safe.

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14 NEWS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Sidley Community
Hub officially opens
doors to residents
PHOTOS: JTP53 PHOTOGRAPHY
A major new chapter for Sidley
began as the town’s new community
hub officially opened its doors,
on Sunday 28th June, following
the completion of a major
regeneration project.
The new Sidley Hub was unveiled
during a special opening event,
marking the culmination of years
of construction and collaboration
between local organisations and
community partners.
The hub has been created to provide
a vibrant space for residents of all
ages, offering creative activities,
sports, social events, wellbeing
support and skills development. The
facilities were designed around the
needs and aspirations of the local
community, creating a welcoming
venue where people could learn,
connect and thrive.
The project formed part of the
Transforming Heritage. Powering
Community. initiative – a UK
Government-funded partnership
between the De La Warr Pavilion,
Heart of Sidley and Rother
District Council.
Working through the Creative
Sidley partnership, organisers said
the new hub would help strengthen
community life by providing
opportunities for creativity, learning
and wellbeing while fostering greater
pride in the area.
Representatives from the De
La Warr Pavilion, Heart of Sidley
and project partners joined
residents to celebrate the official
opening, describing the hub
as an important investment in
Sidley’s future.
The Sidley Hub was one of two
flagship projects delivered through
the wider initiative. Alongside the
new community facility, work
also continued on the De La Warr
Pavilion’s An Icon for Everyone
project, which will restore and
reimagine the Grade I listed landmark
for future generations.
Partners said both schemes would
leave a lasting legacy by creating
new opportunities, strengthening
community connections and
supporting the long-term future of
Bexhill and Sidley.

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news JULY 2026 NEWS 15
Hooe open gardens blossomed
despite weather worries
BY PAM DOODES
LEADING up to the Hooe Village
Community Group’s Open Gardens
weekend 13th and 14th June this
year, was pretty traumatic!
First, we had to endure a heatwave,
and so our gardeners were worrying
about how dry their gardens were and
how the plants were suffering.
Then came the strong winds and
heavy rain! The concern then was
about Wind and Rain damage to
the many beautiful blooms which
had been nurtured and were timed
to look their very best for the Hooe
Open Gardens Weekend. Would the
gardens be worth opening?
Who would have thought there
would be so much stress prior to
the opening of one’s garden for the
enjoyment of others? But all was well.
The skies cleared and the weather
was kind for the whole two days of
the event, warm and sunny, with just
a little wind. The perfect weather
attracted many visitors who came
from far and wide.
Some visitors came just to relax
and admire the wide variety of
garden styles on offer, Others, were
serious gardeners, and when serious
gardeners get together there is always
interesting chat. The unpredictable
weather is always discussed, as
are the trials and tribulations of
fighting aphids and slugs, the
beauty of the blooms, the variety
of plants available, or the quality of
the wine enjoyed whilst surveying
their garden, enjoying the fruits
of their labour.
Twelve Hooe Gardens were open
to the public, almost too many to
see in one day, so many folk came
back for a second visit on Sunday.
Tickets cost £5.00 a day, which, we
were told repeatedly, was great value.
The tickets included a detailed map
showing the location of gardens, car
parks, and other useful information,
so finding one’s way around the
village was not difficult,
The refreshments, which were
served in one of the gardens, proved
hugely popular. Tea, coffee and
soft drinks were available all day,
both days, as was the vast variety of
homemade cakes, cheese scones
and full cream teas on offer, together
with some savoury items. As a couple
said: “It doesn’t get much better than
this — sitting in an English garden
in June in the sunshine, surrounded
by beautiful flowers, listening to the
birds singing and having delicious
home-made cakes served at your
table. What a wonderful experience.”
Judging by the number of cakes
consumed during the event, and
the number of repeat visits to the
refreshment garden, many others
were of the same opinion. We
were pleased to set to and start
baking on the Saturday evening to
replenish our stock.
As if the Gardens and the
refreshments was not enough, Hooe
Village Community Group also
provided a Marquee, erected in the
centre of the village at the Flag Green
for residents to display their ‘Made in
Hooe’ offerings. This marquee was
buzzing! Plans, Wooden collections,
Jewellery, amazing quilts and metal
work were amongst the variety of
goods on offer
An event of this size does not
happen without the many volunteers
setting up and giving of their time and
energy freely and with cheerful good
grace. The six members who run
the Hooe Village Community Group
(HVCG) are sincerely grateful to them
all and realise that, without their
help, the event would not have been
so successful.
We won’t mention names just in
case someone is left out by mistake.
Risk assessments were carried out,
marquees erected, tickets designed,
posters made and erected, furniture
transported, cakes baked, teas served
and washing up carried out. Then,
on Sunday evening, everything was
tidied and cleared away. To show
our appreciation to our wonderful
gardeners and the many volunteers
we were pleased to invite all to a
celebration thank you BBQ where, as
one can imagine, many stories of the
weekend were exchanged.
This was a truly wonderful event,
both socially and financially. Just
as soon as we have completed
the financial returns, we will let
everyone know how much was
raised for charity and which charities
will be supported.
Every penny of profit is donated —
HVCG and Hooe residents do all this
just for the fun of it!
As one couple commented: “There
is such an amazing Community Spirit
in this village” — we second that!
We are hugely grateful to Athelas
Plants for sponsoring our event again
this year. We are so fortunate to have
their support and advice.
www.hooe-open-gardens.com
Lighthouse Fostering is continuing its search
for compassionate new foster carers to join its
growing network of dedicated carers across
East Sussex, all supported from its new office in
Heathfield.
This reflects Lighthouse’s ongoing commitment to
strengthening support for foster carers throughout the
county and ensuring that vulnerable children can access
safe, stable, and nurturing homes close to their
communities.
For more than ten years, Lighthouse Fostering has
provided carers with dedicated 24/7 support, specialist
training, competitive financial packages, and an
experienced team that ensures no foster carer ever faces
challenges alone.
Our new East Sussex office means we now offer even
more local, hands-on support to the remarkable people
who open their homes and their hearts to children in
need.
Right now, children across East Sussex urgently need
caring foster families. If you have a spare bedroom and
the desire to make a real difference, you could help
transform a child’s future.
Whether you are ready to begin your fostering journey,
thinking of transferring agency or simply want to find
out more, Lighthouse Fostering is here to guide and
support you every step of the way.
For more details visit our website
lighthousefostering.co.uk or call us
on 01424 320036.

16 REGULARS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
KNOW YOUR GARDEN
By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden
Bates Green Garden and The Laurel Café
Open every Wednesday and Saturday from 10-4pm. For details, please go to the website
www.batesgreengarden.co.uk and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden
If the first of July be rainy weather, it will rain, more or less, for four weeks together — English proverb
This year, many of our hardy annuals
and herbaceous perennials have
flowered earlier than expected,
encouraged by a mild spring and warm
spells that brought borders on ahead
of the usual timetable. While that can
make it feel as if summer’s peak has
passed too soon, there is still much we
can do in July to keep gardens fresh,
colourful and full of life through to
October. The key is not to give in to that
first hint of tiredness, but to manage
plants actively and encourage a second
performance.
For hardy annuals such as Ammi
majus, antirrhinum, calendula and
Orlaya grandiflora, regular deadheading
is essential. If plants set seed too early,
they naturally begin to shut down.
Removing faded flowers promptly
directs energy into new buds instead.
Calendula is especially generous
if picked over every few days, and
antirrhinums respond well when spent
stems are cut back to a strong side shoot.
Even airy plants such as Ammi majus
and Orlaya grandiflora can often be
prolonged by removing browning heads,
leaving only a few later if seed is wanted.
Among herbaceous perennials, a light,
timely trim can make all the difference.
Salvias
Once verbascum’s first tall spikes fade,
cut them down before seed develops
and you may encourage fresh flowering
from lower growth.
Salvias benefit enormously too: rather
than leaving plants to grow leggy
and exhausted, trim spent stems to a
pair of healthy shoots and water well
afterwards. Many will be back in flower
within weeks. Alstroemeria should not
be cut in the usual way; instead, pull
Alstroemeria
flowering stems firmly from the base.
This stimulates strong replacements and
keeps clumps productive for longer.
SMART WATERING AND
SEASONAL TONICS
Watering is another crucial part of
keeping the garden summery rather
than prematurely spent. A quick evening
sprinkle often does more harm than
good, encouraging roots to stay near
the surface where they dry out quickly.
Instead, water thoroughly and less
often, soaking the root zone properly.
Early morning is best, before the heat
of the day. In dry periods, concentrate
on plants flowering hard, newly planted
subjects, containers and shallow-rooted
annuals. A compost mulch will also help
hold moisture and keep roots cooler.
Alongside watering, I find an organic
seaweed fertiliser especially useful
now. Seaweed feeds do not force
lush, sappy growth like high-nitrogen
products. Instead, they provide gentle
nourishment and trace elements that
support plant health, root strength and
resilience during dry weather. Used
every week or two on flowering plants,
especially in containers or hard-working
borders, an organic seaweed feed
can help sustain colour and vigour
without making growth floppy. Think
of it as a tonic that helps plants keep
going steadily.
MAINTAINING THE
MIDSUMMER MOOD
To keep a garden looking summery until
October, think beyond individual flowers
and consider the whole picture. Continue
planting for lightness and movement,
not just colour. Fresh foliage, repeating
shapes and reliable late performers all
help hold the mood of summer.
Avoid letting everything turn to seed at
once, and resist moving too early into an
overtly autumnal palette unless that is
truly what you want. Soft whites, pinks,
mauves, blues and apricots can carry a
luminous midsummer character long
after the longest days have passed.
Above all, celebrate what July and
late summer can still offer. Pick flowers
often, deadhead faithfully, trim back
anything that has clearly finished its
first flush, and keep plants growing with
deep watering and organic seaweed
fertiliser. If you do, the garden need not
slide into exhaustion by August. Instead,
it can remain abundant, airy and full of
warmth, carrying the spirit of summer
through September and into October.
That is one of gardening’s real pleasures:
not rushing on to the next season
too soon, but helping this one linger
a little longer.
Come along and see how we do
this at Bates Green Garden. We
are open every Wednesday and
Saturday from 10am–4pm.
Enjoy your gardens and green
spaces in July.
Belvior Castle
Lincolnshire
Photo: Belvior Castle
Eastbourne Coaches - Summer Breaks
31st July - Bath & Bristol. 4 days from £441 / person
16th August - Historic Houses & Gardens of Lincolnshire.
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Prices based on 2 people sharing a room
• Home pick ups available
Please enquire for single rooms and availability on
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Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news JULY 2026 REGULARS 17
A MATTER OF TASTE
CASUAL FOOD AND DRINK IN
THE HEART OF THE OLD TOWN
BY GARY VAN DEN BUSSCHE
THE DRAGON BAR, Old Town Hastings
was established in 2005. It is the
sister bar to the original Dragon Bar in
Shoreditch in 1998, which was the first
art graffiti bar in the area.
The Dragon Bar have always tried to
maintain and encourage the arts and
creativity in and around the bar. This
goes with all aspects of the bar, music,
food, drinks and customers.
There is an outside seating area in
which you can eat, drink and do a bit of
people watching at the top of George
Street in the old town.
The food is cooked to order and winter
times they offer Sunday roasts, but in
summer the menu changes to tapas.
Tapas have evolved through Spanish
history by incorporating new ingredients
and influences, but tapas is the ideal food
to serve with drinks, often salty so as to
encourage the customers to drink more!
In select restaurants and bars in Spain,
the offering of tapas has evolved into it’s
own sophisticated cuisine. Diners can
order many different tapas including
fish, seafood, meat, vegetarian options
and combine them to make a full meal.
I went to the dragon bar with my
friends Kate and Joe for a Sunday
lunch in the sun, from the large tapas
menu which included: Calamari, salt
cod croquettes, mussels, Whitebait,
ham hock croquettes, halloumi fingers,
meatballs and many other dishes
to choose from.
Joe and myself went for the Paella
which had clams, mussels, king prawns,
chicken, garlic, rice, saffron, peppers and
chorizo. We were told that this dish is
for two and takes 25 mins to cook as it’s
freshly prepared, it came traditionally
served in a big pan served with bread
and saffron garlic mayo, it was really
delicious and everyone that saw it on
other tables then ordered the same, I
should have got commission!
Kate ordered Harissa chicken skewers
which were full of spice the chicken was
marinated, very tender and juicy. It had
a lime, mint, chilli dressing which she
enjoyed and would order again.
We sat outside people watching in
George street in the heart of Hastings
old town and felt very relaxed. Our meals
came to £46 and drinks were £7 a pint
served in cool jugs with a nice collection
of drinks and cocktails to choose from.
A buzzy atmosphere, while the staff
were very friendly and attentive making
this a wonderful experience.
The cocktails are £11.50, wine £28.50
for a bottle or £7.50 for a 175mil
glass. There is also a big spirit selection.
They have record deck set up for
certain DJ evenings, it’s always has
a great vibe.
71 George St, Hastings TN34 3EE.
Call 01424 423 688
Email: dragonbarhastings@gmail.com
Web: www.dragonbar.co.uk
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18 REGULARS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
BEXHILL MUSEUM with Gordon Smith
STEP INTO HISTORY WITH
NEW SHOE EXHIBITION
EVERYONE uses them, but their
significance can be overlooked Shoes!
Shoes! Shoes! is the latest exhibition in
the museum’s Corridor Gallery. The final
items have now been put on display.
Almost all of them have come from
the museum’s own collection. They
have been selected by Georgina Bradley
and Stella Hales-Morris from the
costume collections team.
The display spans more than two
centuries, from Victorian boots and
Edwardian fashion shoes to military
footwear, children’s shoes, Japanese
geta sandals, floral Dr Martens and
examples of local Sussex shoemaking.
Rather than simply presenting a
history of fashion, the exhibition asks
what shoes can tell us about people.
Some objects were chosen because
of the stories they carry. Visitors will
encounter driving shoes worn by Mrs
Edworthy while competing in her
vintage motor car during the 1920s,
the treasured “crocodile shoes” worn
by Helen Joan Moate in the 1940s and
footwear donated by volunteers and
local families whose memories now
form part of the museum’s collections.
Other exhibits illustrate
craftsmanship, changing technology
and the practical realities of
everyday life.
The exhibition also reflects a wider
story. Across history, shoes have
been used to protect, to work, to
travel, to signal status, and to express
personal identity. Whether made for
a ballroom, a factory floor, a military
parade ground or a dance hall, each pair
represents a small but revealing piece
of human experience.
A STROLL ALONG THE PROM
— TALKING TOWERS
Between 1805 and 1808 there were
74 Martello towers built along the
Sussex and Kent coast. They ran from
Folkestone to Seaford.
They were designed as protection
against an invasion by Napoleon.
Later they were used as bases for
the Coast Blockade in their fight
against smuggling.
Most have been lost, including
those in Bexhill.
You can find out where they were
by joining the latest museum walk,
Stepping Out to Martello Towers, on
Sunday 26 July.
Meet at the museum for a 2pm start.
Places are limited to 25 people so you
must reserve your place by contacting
the museum on 01424 222058, by
dropping in to reception or by emailing
info@bexhillmuseum.org.uk.
The cost is £5 which can be paid at
the museum before the start of the
walk by card or cash. No dogs please.
FOSSIL FACTS
Fossils have made a big contribution
to our understanding of the origins
of species, reconstructing ancient
environments and figuring out
continental plate movements.
In this area we have a variety of
fossilised remains including plants,
fish and dinosaurs.
Ken Brooks will talk about
Understanding Fossils in his next
informal lecture on Saturday 11 July at
the museum, starting at 1.30pm.
Note this is a change to the previously
announced talk on Fossil Folklore.
Similar — but different.
Tickets are £10 (£8 for museum
members) which includes refreshments
and entry to the museum galleries.
There are plenty of fossils on display
which you will be able to visit either
before or after the talk. Tickets can be
reserved by calling into the museum or
by phoning 01424 222058.
KATE’S STORY
Kat Marsden was one of the two
founders of Bexhill Museum.
She was airbrushed out of the museum
story after she felt she had to resign
from the organising committee just
before the museum opened in 1914.
Kate was a nurse and an explorer. In
1892 she was one of the first women
to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal
Geographical Society.
www.bexhillmuseum.org.uk
She went to Siberia in search of a
cure for leprosy. She never found
one but she is still honoured in the
country for her work there. There are
commemorative items on display in
the museum brought by a group from
Siberia. You can also see a first edition
of her book on the trip called On Sledge
and Horseback to Siberia.
She is now very much reinstated in
the museum story.
Her life and achievements are
explained in a History Hour talk by
David Dennis on Thursday 9 July at 2pm
in the museum’s Education Room.
Note that this is not a museumorganised
lecture. We are serving as a
venue for David’s talk.
Tickets, priced at £8, can be prebooked
by phoning or visiting the
museum (01424 222058) or by emailing
info@bexhillmuseum.org.uk.
HISTORY HOUR
Something entirely different is
on the agenda for the second
History Hour in July.
David will be looking at Witchcraft in
Bexhill and Wider Sussex.
It will feature people with local links
such as Aleister Crowley and Alex
Sanders and will explain some famous
witch trials around the country.
It will take place on Thursday 23 July.
Tickets available from the same sources
as the Kate Marsden talk.
ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge
WANT TO FIND THE JOY OF
GETTING LOST? ASK A CYCLIST
WE all need a good roadmap to
find the right pathway to your
chosen destination.
One should plan a journey before
setting off — however if you do get lost,
you can always ask a cyclist they will
tell you where to go!
Cyclists are good at understanding
their surroundings as they see and feel it
as they travel.
Maps however, are about recording
information in a way which can be
used by others. We first used stones
or tablets, then paper and now digital
forms to record information, our
mapping evolution will continue.
Are autonomous driverless cars
without driver, using artificial
intelligence and no need for a map the
future for transportation?
For many reasons, it is much better
and easier to find your way around by
cycling. Personal knowledge conveyed
verbally from person to person helps
as do the various websites as a
reference source.
Recently the new Sussex coast
& countryside map for cycling and
walking was launched in the Towner
Eastbourne. This is the third edition of
a visionary artistic map showing what
was then the coastal culture trail, a
route connecting the three galleries of
Jeerwood, now Hastings contemporary,
De La Warr and Towner.
These new maps are available
to buy and for travelling by
sustainable transport are strongly
recommended. This version includes the
King Charles III England Coastal Path at
2,700 miles it is the longest managed
coastal path in the world.
Exploring, finding our way around
coming across unexpected and
interesting new people and places is
what we cyclists do. Getting lost, finding
out where you are, changing your plan
and seeking a new way around is also
fun. If you want to appreciate the joy
of seeing new things, ask a cyclist, they
will soon tell you how to get lost.
Strava already uses the extensive
cycling routes uploaded from personal
journeys. This form of cycling data
of preferred routes can then be used
by transport authorities to improve
those routes rather than what
they think is best.
Adventures are exciting, imagine
being the first person to circumnavigate
the world by a bicycle in 1885. That’s
what Thomas Stevens did when he left
Liverpool and cycled to Newhaven and
crossed to Dieppe.
His journey of 13,550 miles without
any modern digital devices using selfpropelled
power on a sturdy penny
farthing. The telephone had only just
been invented. On his high-wheeler he
travelled through numerous European
countries to Turkey then off through
Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia, China,
India then Japan where he returned to
America. All of this on a penny farthing.
Travel is far easier now and most can
access some form of transport to help
them move around.
Waymo work across America, Japan &
other Countries but only just testing in
the UK around London at the moment.
It’s easy to use by downloading the app
and ordering a driverless car, however
our country is behind because legislation
is taking too long to agree.
The first bicycle started life around
early 1800’s evolving into the high
wheeler or penny farthing which
although in engineering terms was
highly efficient required enormous
strength to turn the large wheel. It
was not safe enough as a general form
of transportation. The modern safety
bicycle took off around 1885 and the
cycle revolution is still in full swing.
As a cyclist, you feel the action
of motion, the power required,
understanding which gear is best for the
least effort. Of course, you also know
what clothing is required to protect from
our great British weather.
Thinking or understanding of
how engineering works and feeling
environmental elements are removed in
our modern cars.
For me I’ll be one of the first to try out
a Waymo when I can, however I will still
use my bike as although I love having
transport choices sometimes the hard
way is the best.
Ian Hollidge and Bexhill Wheelers

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news JULY 2026 REGULARS 19
SUSSEX POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER, KATY BOURNE OBE
HELP FOR CRIME VICTIMS
AND BEHAVIOUR CHANGE
SUPPORT FOR PERPETRATORS
IN this month’s column, I want to
highlight the crucial work of my office in
commissioning services to help victims
of crime cope and recover and some
unique services which help change
offender behaviour.
In 2025/26, almost 55,000 victims
were referred to our commissioned
services in Sussex — that’s nearly 4% of
the population of the county.
Victim Support holds the contract
for providing multi-crime support in
Sussex and, during this period, they
received almost 30,000 referrals from
police and partners.
Many victims of crime are also referred
to local specialist service providers
that I fund with over £5m. The tailored
support they provide for people affected
by domestic abuse, stalking and sexual
violence was threatened by staff costs
increases after the Government’s
increased employer National Insurance
costs, so to ensure their viability, I gave
them an additional £100,000 last year.
Information about our Funding
Network can is available here:
www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/
apply-for-funding/safe-space-sussexfunding-network/
When I was first elected as Police
and Crime Commissioner back in 2012,
I pledged to tackle domestic abuse
in Sussex, because it was clear that
it was underreported and not taken
seriously enough.
Within a year, Sussex Police had
transformed their approach and they
were awarded White Ribbon status
in recognition. From an average
Active Days
MOBILITY
of 40 reports of domestic abuse a
day in 2012, the force now receives
around 80 reports a day, which
is over 29,000 a year, signalling
increased public confidence in how the
police will respond.
Domestic abuse is a scourge on our
society and far too many people suffer
in silence, so I’m pleased to say that
this year, the Ministry of Justice has
confirmed our funding grant for highrisk
domestic abuse support services for
the next two years.
I have also secured nearly £680,000
from the Home Office Domestic Abuse
Perpetrator Intervention Fund. The High
Harm Perpetrator Programme in Sussex
helps persistent offenders of domestic
abuse and stalking to recognise and
address their abusive behaviours.
The Complex Domestic Abuse and
Stalking Unit (CDASU) multi-agency
team provides tailored interventions
for perpetrators with multiple and
complex needs. The unit worked with
139 perpetrators during 2025/26.
The programme is voluntary but if
individuals decide not to engage, Sussex
Police will continue to use enforcement
and disruption tactics.
Our research and feedback has
highlighted the need for a Young
Person’s Violence Advocate for young
survivors of domestic abuse, a service
which is now provided by RiSE.
We also have a new Specialist Support
Advocate for police officers and staff
who are victims of domestic abuse and
sexual violence which will be delivered
jointly by My Sisters House Women’s
Centre and Lifecentre.
My office also funds over 30
Independent Domestic violence Advisers
(IDVAs). IDVAs provide an advocacy
service, working mainly with victims
who are at high risk of further abuse.
When relationships break down, we
see some people engaging in stalking of
their former partner. Having experienced
persistent stalking myself from several
obsessed and fixated individuals, I
created the acronym FOUR to help police
officers recognise stalking. If behaviours
are Fixated, Obsessive, Unwanted and/
or Repeated, it’s stalking.
I’m pleased that FOUR has been
adopted nationally by The College of
Policing and awareness of stalking
has risen, not least because of the
proactive work of Sussex Police who
were the first force to secure a Stalking
Protection Order (SPO).
In Sussex, we also have a successful
Stalking Clinic that comprises Sussex
Police, the Crown Prosecution Service,
Probation Service and Veritas Justice
Stalking Advocacy Service, as well as
specialist information technology teams
for cyberstalking. The clinic meets
monthly to assess and provide specialist
advice to officers investigating high-risk
cases of stalking.
During 2025/26, the Stalking Clinic
discussed 56 cases in Sussex — up from
48 the year before. With a dedicated
Stalking Protection Order Coordinator
Role within the clinic, the team was
able to apply for nearly 60 successful
SPOs last year.
Earlier this month, I gave a speech
at Sussex’s annual Domestic Abuse
Conference. The theme was ‘Turning
Ambition into Action’ and the event was
hosted by the Sussex Domestic Abuse
Partnership Board. It included an online
address from Natalie Fleet MP, the new
Home Office Minister for Safeguarding
and Violence Againt Women and Girls.
I have always maintained that, if
we are serious about improving our
response to domestic abuse, we must
design services for and with the people
who use them. By listening and acting
on lived experience, strengthening
collaboration and embracing innovation,
we can build a system that better
protects victims, holds perpetrators to
account and ensures no one is left to
face abuse alone.
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If the product is in our shop you can take it
away, no need to order it and wait.
Our engineers can visit your home to
carry out repairs and servicing and we offer
a free collection/ delivery service.
We are authorised by the FCA to sell
mobility aid insurance and can carry out
repairs on behalf of insurance companies.
We sell riser recliner chairs and profiling
beds from a wide range of suppliers. We
stock a wide range of new and pre owned
mobility aids like walking sticks, Walking
frames (Rollators), mobility scooters,
complex bespoke powered wheelchairs
from Quantum Rehab with specialist
seating options and manual wheelchairs.
6 Winston Crescent, Eastbourne
BN23 6NL. Tel: 01323 301101
ACTIVEDAYSMOBILITY.CO.UK
43 Western Road Bexhill
TN40 1DT. Tel: 01424 532620

20 ADVERTORIAL
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN
COUNCIL UPDATE
Messages from our new
Mayor and Deputy Mayor
Cllr Memish Huseyin, Mayor of Bexhill
Cllr Paul Peters, Deputy Mayor
AS detailed in our last article,
The Town Council resolved at
the Annual General Meeting to
elect Councillor Memish Huseyin
as Mayor of Bexhill-on-Sea for
2026/27. Councillor Paul Peters will
serve as Deputy Mayor.
Below are messages from the
incoming Mayor and Deputy as
they begin their roles in office.
Congratulations to them both!
Cllr Memish Huseyin: “It is both a
privilege and an honour to have been
elected by my fellow councillors to
serve as Mayor of Bexhill.
“Having had the pleasure of
serving as Deputy Mayor for the
past two years, I now look forward
to continuing to serve the residents
Don’t Abuse the Loos — Raising
Awareness of Vandalism at
our Public Conveniences
of our wonderful town to the very
best of my ability.
“Bexhill has always held a very
special place in my heart. My
family and I have called this town
home since 1987, when I first came
here as a young child. I have grown
up in this community, and my
family have proudly owned and
operated businesses in the town
since that time. Bexhill has given
so much to us over the years, and it
is incredibly special to now see my
own children growing up in such a
fantastic town.
“We are truly fortunate to live in
a place with such a strong sense of
community, wonderful residents,
and a town full of history and
character. As our former Mayor,
Paul Wilson, often said, we are all
here to make Bexhill even better. We
already have a beautiful town, and
by continuing to work together, we
can ensure it continues to thrive for
generations to come.
“I would like to sincerely thank
everyone for their support and
encouragement. I also want to
recognise the dedication and hard
work of our councillors and officers,
whose commitment to our town is
invaluable. It is through working
together that we can continue to
strengthen and improve Bexhill for
all who live, work, and visit here.
“Thank you once again for
placing your trust in me. I look
forward to serving the town during
the year ahead.”
Cllr Paul Peters: “It is a great honour
to serve as Deputy Mayor of Bexhill,
a town built on community spirit,
compassion and resilience. I hope
my own journey shows that no matter
your background or the challenges
you face in life, your future is still
yours to shape.
“I look forward to continuing
to serve the people of Bexhill
and helping to inspire hope and
opportunity within our community.”
Freshening
up Sidley’s
Bollards
WITH the summer holidays rapidly
approaching, our roster of Public
Conveniences will be placed under
even greater demand than usual.
Earlier this year, Bexhill-on-Sea
Town Council brought our Public
Convenience maintenance inhouse,
recruiting Toilet Cleaning
Operatives to perform opening,
cleaning and closing duties at eight
sites across Bexhill. They are a vital
addition to our staff as we continue
to inherit public assets through Local
Government Reorganisation.
Our Toilet Cleaning Operatives
work hard alongside the rest of the
Operations Department to make sure
our Public Conveniences are open,
safe and ready to use. Unfortunately,
over the last few months we have
seen a significant rise in incidents
of vandalism and misuse at almost
all of our sites.
This includes and is not limited to: —
• Deliberate destruction of
fittings and fixtures
• Theft of fittings and fixtures
• Attempts to start small fires
with toilet roll
• Deliberate flushing of entire toilet
rolls, causing drainage issues
• Graffiti using marker pens
and spray paint
• Smearing of excrement on
floors and walls
We have included a selection of
pictures here, not to shock or offend,
but to illustrate the scale of the task
our Operatives are faced with on a
regular basis.
Repairs cost money, and the overall
cost of maintenance increases every
time they are vandalised — bills which
are ultimately footed by the taxpayer.
We know that the vast majority of
users value and respect our Public
Conveniences and find this mindless
destruction as frustrating as we do.
This is neither a plea for sympathy
or for action from the public. We
understand there is little to be
done about this problem beyond
highlighting it. However, if problems
persist, we may be required to close
certain Public Conveniences for
longer periods of time while repairs
are undertaken, as happened in
October 2025 at the Channel View
East facilities.
If that is the case over the summer,
please know that we are working hard
behind the scenes to make repairs as
quickly as possible, and that we will
keep you informed should the need
for longer closures occur.
OUR Town Rangers have been busy
smartening up Bexhill again this
month, paying particular attention
to the worn-out and dull bollards
around Sidley. Many of these have
now been given a fresh lick of paint,
and we hope you will agree the area
looks much improved as a result.
NOTABLE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday, 15th August — Bexhill Day
Sunday, 20th September — The RAFA Wings Appeal Walk
Sunday, 8th November — Remembrance Sunday
Saturday, 5th December —
Christmas Lights Switch-on / Street Market
FUTURE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Wednesday, 8th July, 6pm — Engagement and
Communications Committee Meeting
Wednesday, 15th July, 6pm —
Finance and Audit Committee Meeting
Wednesday, 29th July, 6pm — Full Council Meeting
BEXHILL-ON-SEA Town Council
35 Western Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DU
OPEN: Monday-Friday, 10am-2:30pm
CONTACT: town.clerk@bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk
www.bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news JULY 2026 ADVERTORIAL 21
ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS
BY DOUG OLIVER, COUNCILLOR AND COUNCIL LEADER
Major projects bring a real
boost to communities
IT’S a busy time for Rother District
Council with three major projects
happening in Bexhill.
Work to install solar panels on the
roof of the iconic De La Warr Pavilion
was carried out in June — part of the
ambitious transformation programme
for the Grade I listed building.
We were delighted to be able to
fund the solar panels through our
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
Climate Emergency Bonus Fund.
The solar panels are an example of
the district council’s commitment
to protect our environment during a
climate emergency and the support
we get from partners to achieve
our ambitious target of becoming a
carbon neutral district by 2030.
The De La Warr Pavilion project has
some way to go but I look forward
seeing the transformation continue.
It was great to see a successful grand
opening of the new Sidley Hub at a
Heart of Sidley event which took place
at the end of June.
The keys to the £3.4million facility
were handed over to the district
council in May after months of work
to transform a shower block on
Sidley Recreation Ground into a fully
accessible community facility.
The state-of-the-art Sidley Hub,
which is leased by Heart of Sidley,
is a great facility for the community
providing first-class sports changing
facilities, accessible toilets and a café,
as we space available for hiring.
Both projects were part of
Government-funded partnership
between Heart of Sidley, The De La
Warr Pavilion and Rother District
Council to create opportunities,
inspiring pride of place and
strengthening community life across
Bexhill and Sidley.
Partnership working has been
key in both projects, showing how
important it is for working together to
get the best for our communities.
I was delighted to join my fellow
Cabinet members in approving leases
for the refurbished Colonnade.
Following £750,000 of significant
repair and refurbishment work, units
in the Grade II listed building are
ready for business.
Our marketing campaign garnered
a superb level of interest with 22 bids
for 11 units, and I was delighted to
see one former tenant put forward an
offer, which has been accepted.
Our contractors have done
a fantastic job addressing the
long-standing structural issues,
safeguarding the future of the
Colonnade and creating a great space
for businesses.
I’m pleased that the work has been
completed ahead of the business
summer season and I am looking
forward to seeing the Colonnade
thriving once again.
Without wanting to put the mockers
on it, it appears the summer weather
may have set in, and we have seen a
surge of visitors enjoying the sun on
the district’s beaches.
This seems an appropriate time to
make a plea to beachgoers to respect
the dangers the sea can pose, swim
only within areas guided by the RNLI
lifeguards and take extra care.
For information about our beaches
and safety advice, visit Beaches and
Coastline — Rother District Council
Let’s make this a successful and safe
summer in Rother.
MODEL RAILWAY WANTED
Collections Large & Small
Purchased
Best Prices Paid for Quality Items
All Gauges Considered
Phone or message details to:
locos.modelrailways@hotmail.com
Mobile 07517 699195
The Bull Inn
To call, or reserve a table: 01424 424984
530 BEXHILL ROAD, ST LEONARDS ON SEA, TN38 8AY
www.bullstleonards.co.uk
Facebook: @bullinnstleonards
Sunday Folk Session - 5th July from 5:30pm
Monday Charity Quiz - 13th & 27th from 8:00pm
Sunday Rock ‘n Roll Bingo - 12th from 6:00pm
Sunday Karaoke - 19th from 5:30pm
Other Events
Saturday 4th July - Pauline’s annual garden party in aid of Macmillan nurses, from
3:00 pm. Music, various craft stalls, cakes & savouries, raffles & tombolas.
Sunday 26th - Ska & Reggae party, in the beer garden, from 4:30pm.
DJ Dave playing the tunes.
Friday 31st - Ritchie Lee’s party night from 8:00pm
Traditional freshly cooked ‘Pub Grub’ with many classic favourites,
HOMEMADE PIES are our speciality! We also serve Manze’s traditional Pie, Mash
and Liquor. In addition, our traditional Sunday Roast is served every week. Enjoy
our secluded beer garden, we have a large car park at the rear and
we’re dog friendly too!

8 2 3 9 7 5 1 4 6
22 PUZZLES
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
PUZZLES
WORDSEARCH
Waterfalls
Can you find all the listed words hidden in the grid below?
They may run either forwards or backwards, horizontally,
vertically or diagonally, but always in a straight line.
ANGEL
BLENCOE
BRIDAL VEIL
BROWNE
HAVASU
HOPETOUN
HORSESHOE
KRIMML
OLO’UPENA
PALOUSE
RHINE
RINKA
SHOSHONE
TOLMER
TUGELA
VICTORIA
WATSON
WISHBONE
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
Each letter of the alphabet has a different number. Substitute numbers
for letters to make words that will complete the puzzle. The letters at
the side and the check-box below the grid may help you keep track.
Check-box
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
C
W L P H P G I W A O R A E
Q I E F G U A K D E R N H
E E D H S W N Y M F O E O
N V D A Z I A L G H O P F
O L V K R J O T S H X U W
B A G G O T O O S H H O M
H D A X U L H E E O O L J
S I M I M S S S P E N O A
I R Q M R R U E A N G E L
W B I K O O T A T T G O Q
Z R P H L O T U N N R N L
K O X A U U G C N T H W P
R W P N C E V C I Q I H J
J N A K L B L C V V N F E
L E X A S S E O C N E L B
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
E
CODEWORD
26 18 17 8 23 12 23 21 21 1 26
6 14 9 23 8 4 9
23 9 24 23 25 23 12 4 8 8
17 15 12 19 22 25 2
I
23 9 16
I
3 23
C
17 3 12
15 4 13 17 15 23 17 19 12 26 1 26
1 4 26 15 26 1 12
23 1 17 9 12 23 21 10 17 15 22 1 17
17 20 17 4 3 9 1
3 24 26 21 21 25 17 15 15 24 4 18 19
15 4 25 23 4 23 1
17 11 15 3 23 12 23 5 17 9 8 10
3 8 22 3 23 21 10 19 16 23
12 26 26 3 17 9 12 22 8 23 4 9
23 15 15 17 16 26 15 17 17 16
3 7 17 17 15 1 8 23 12 3 24
E
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Across
1 Chair used as a
carriage (5)
4 Using jointly or
in common (7)
8 Eat (7)
9 Capital of Bolivia (2,3)
10 Step (5)
11 Implore (7)
12 Commotion (6)
13 Bother (6)
16 Type of hunting dog (7)
18 Strangle (5)
20 Force out (5)
21 On the Origin of ___, work
by Charles Darwin (7)
22 Curving in and out (7)
23 Childish word for
scrumptious (5)
Down
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CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY ON EMAIL: SALES@REGIONALMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK
1 Fires from a job (5)
2 Tooth doctor (6,7)
3 Having no personal
preference (7)
4 CD player (6)
5 Distribute (5)
CROSSWORD
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9
10 11
12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19
20 21
22 23
6 Style of painting
associated with the late
19th century (13)
7 Title used by some
newspapers (7)
12 Swimmers (7)
14 Sport of shooting arrows
with a bow (7)
15 Emergency (6)
17 Presentation, briefly (5)
19 Short formal piece
of writing (5)
SUDOKU CHALLENGE
Place a number (from 1 to 9 inclusive) into each square in
such a way that every digit appears once in each horizontal
row, each vertical column and each box of nine squares.
7 5 1
9 1 7
6 5 3 9
8 7
9 6 2 7
3 9
8 7 6 2
7 3 5
4 1 5
SOLUTIONS
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Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news JULY 2026 YOUR MP 23
It is time to scrap
the public sector
equality duty
WHEN I am
out meeting
constituents,
I hear a wide
range of views
on issues in
the news.
What is clear,
however,
is that we
all have a
common belief
that everyone should be treated
equally and fairly. It is a basic
human right in any democracy.
Nobody doubts the importance
of protecting people from
discrimination , for example. Nobody
should be denied a job because they
are black. Nobody should be sacked
because they are a woman. Those
protections are not just necessary,
NEWS FROM YOUR CONSERVATIVE MP
DR KIERAN MULLAN
they are fundamental, and they must
remain firmly in place.
THE INTENT VS. THE REALITY
But a series of recent cases have
revived an important debate
about whether we have ended up
accidentally treating people unfairly
or unequally in efforts to combat
discrimination like racism. That
doesn’t mean we have solved these
problems like racism — they still
exist. But the case of Henry Nowak,
where an innocent 18-year-old boy’s
life was tragically taken and the police
were so focused on an accusation of
racism that they didn’t notice a victim
bleeding to death in front of their eyes,
has provoked a wider debate.
Sadly, this isn’t the only example.
The Manchester arena bombings,
the Southport attack and the
grooming gangs are all examples of
where if fears of being accused of
racism hadn’t interfered, perhaps
terrible loss of life and harm
could’ve been avoided. A security
guard at Manchester Arena didn’t
stop the bomber because he was
afraid of being accused of racial
profiling. Axel Rudakubana’s
headteacher was accused of playing
to a stereotype of a young black man
with a knife when raising concerns.
Victims and politicians highlighting
the fact that men from the Pakistani
community were targeting young
white girls for rape were attacked
for stoking community tensions
and people in positions of power
and influence refused to look
at this element.
A CLIMATE OF FEAR IN
PUBLIC SERVICES
Across the public sector, significant
time and resources are now devoted
to not just avoiding discrimination
but creating an overbearing focus
on equality and diversity issues and
a culture where even the suggestion
of getting that wrong is seen as the
worst of all mistakes to make. There
is now a climate of fear which is
also combined with a whole range
of campaign organisations playing
a disproportionate role in deciding
how these issues should be handled.
This raises an important question —
has a well-meaning desire to tackle
discrimination, in some cases, led to
unintended consequences that risk
doing more harm than good and what
can be done about it?
RESTORING COMMON SENSE
This is something we can’t fix overnight
and covers more than just the public
sector. But Kemi Badenoch and the
Conservative Party is clear that something
needs to change. Most people will never
have heard of the Public Sector Equality
Duty, but it shapes how decisions are
made across government and public
services. Introduced under the Equality
Act 2010, it requires public bodies
including councils, the NHS and police
to consider how their policies and
actions affect people with protected
characteristics, such as race, sex,
and disability.
In principle, it is straightforward
and sensible: public authorities
should think about fairness when
making decisions. But what was
intended as a safeguard against
discrimination has, over time,
become a driver of the problems I
have described.
I believe we have reached a point
where, in some cases, things have
gone too far, and many are now
reluctant to call out behaviours or
doing what they know to be right for
fear of causing offence.
Public services should always
be focused first and foremost
on delivering good services to
everyone. Everyone benefits if our
NHS, Police, Councils and Schools
are not distracted from the day job
in a disproportionate way. But we
now have roughly 10,000 equality,
diversity and inclusion staff across the
public sector, costing an estimated
£427 million a year.
We expect public bodies to
focus on solving problems, not
completing paperwork. That is why
Conservatives are proposing to scrap
the Public Sector Equality Duty. This
is not about removing protections
against discrimination. We want
people to be treated equally. Then
apply the law fairly. But we need to
bring common sense back to how
we approach that and this is an
important first step to doing just that.
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24 TRAVEL
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Sanctuary Class Luxury
on Sun Princess
BY DAVID POWELL
ON a ship designed to impress
at every turn, it takes something
special to feel genuinely exclusive.
Sun Princess delivers spectacle on
a grand scale, but it was within the
calm, carefully designed world of
Sanctuary Class that I found the
ship’s most compelling luxury.
Sanctuary Class isn’t simply a
stateroom category; it’s a ship-withina-ship
concept, where luxury comes
as standard with dedicated staterooms
and private, restricted areas.
My wife and I chose to fly to
Barcelona the night before and stayed
in a centrally located hotel, so we
were ready for an early embarkation.
David and wife Jackie enjoy a sea day
From the moment we boarded at
Barcelona Cruise Terminal, the
Sanctuary difference was clear. After
registration, which was a little slow
due to a poor internet connection,
we were whisked through to the
ship, avoiding the queues. It’s a small
detail, but one that set the tone for our
week-long cruise around the Med.
STATEROOMS AND
SERENE SPACES
Our Sanctuary Class balcony
stateroom felt instantly calming, and
we were pleased with the choice we
made. It is well designed and laid
out with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
opening onto a private balcony, and
a sense of space enhanced by clever
storage and an uncluttered layout. The
bed, Princess’ famously comfortable
luxury mattress, proved every bit as
comfortable as promised.
The bathroom was equally
impressive. A spacious walk-in
shower with a rainfall shower head,
high-quality toiletries, and thoughtful
touches such as ample storage made
it feel more like a boutique hotel. The
twice-daily housekeeping service
and evening turndown service kept
everything immaculate.
What truly sets Sanctuary Class
apart, however, is access to spaces
that are deliberately protected
from the wider ship. Chief among
these is the Sanctuary Lounge, a
serene retreat reserved exclusively
for Sanctuary guests. With
panoramic views, soft seating,
and a hushed atmosphere, it is a
good spot for morning coffee and
pre-dinner drinks.
Then there is the Sanctuary
Restaurant. Dining here is a far cry
from the scale of Sun Princess’s
main dining rooms. Instead, it
offers a refined dining experience
with flexible dining times and a
menu that subtly elevates familiar
Princess favourites. Breakfasts were
unhurried, civilised, and delicious;
dinners felt intimate without being
formal. It’s the kind of place where
you linger, and where staff remember
not just your name but also your
preferences. The service provided
by the two waiters at our table
was first class.
SUN DECK AND EXCLUSIVE PERKS
Perhaps the most talked-about
Sanctuary facility is the private
Sanctuary Sun Deck, and with good
reason. On a ship where prime
sun loungers can become hard to
find, having guaranteed access to a
quiet, adult-focused outdoor space
is invaluable. The deck is beautifully
designed, with shaded cabanas,
attentive service, and a relaxed, almost
resort-like ambience. Sea days here
passed effortlessly, punctuated by a
discreet drink service and the gentle
rhythm of the ocean.
Beyond the physical spaces,
Sanctuary Class comes with a suite
of thoughtful extras such as priority
tendering (no tenders were needed
on our cruise) and disembarkation.
Complimentary premium dining
and fitness classes added extra value.
Even small details, from upgraded
room service to dedicated concierge
assistance, contributed to our luxury
cruise experience.
What struck me most was how
well Sanctuary Class fits in on Sun
Princess itself. This is a ship that
accommodates approximately 4,300
passengers at double occupancy, with
a total of 2,157 staterooms and around
1,600 crew members. Sun Princess
is a Sphere-Class vessel, built in
2024 and powered by LNG. The ship
embraces modern design and cuttingedge
features, but the Sanctuary
provides balance—a refuge from the
scale of it all. You can dip into the
buzz of the Piazza, the spectacle of
the Dome, or the energy of the ship’s
entertainment, then quickly retreat to
a space that feels reassuringly calm.
THE VERDICT
Sanctuary Class won’t be for everyone.
Yes, children can stay in a Sanctuary
Collection Suite, but they are strictly
excluded from the exclusive Sanctuary
Club area, its pool, and the restaurant,
which is only available to guests aged
16 and over—even if a child is staying
in the suite. Additionally, cruisers may
question the extra cost, but for us, it
was definitely worth it.
For those who value space, service,
and calmness, particularly on a ship
of this size, it represents one of the
most compelling accommodation
options Princess Cruises
has ever offered.
Sun Princess (now joined by her
sister ship Star Princess) continues
to showcase Princess Cruises’ vision
of modern cruising. Sanctuary Class
feels like a luxurious step forward
on a ship that has no shortage of
“wow” moments. Would we choose
Sanctuary Class again? Definitely!
David has a video of the Sanctuary
Sun Deck on his YouTube channel:
www.YouTube.com/YourHolidayTV

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news JULY 2026 MOTORING 25
Škoda unveils seven-seat electric
SUV with 390-mile range
ŠKODA has confirmed UK pricing
and specifications for its new allelectric
Peaq, the brand’s flagship
seven-seat SUV and its most
spacious model to date.
Built on the Volkswagen Group’s
Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB)
platform and produced in the Czech
Republic, the Peaq expands Škoda’s
electric vehicle line-up as the company
continues to grow its EV offering.
Priced from £51,980 on-the-road,
the Peaq offers a maximum driving
range of up to 390 miles (WLTP) and
is powered by the largest battery ever
fitted to a Škoda electric vehicle — an
86kWh (net) unit. Customers can
choose between rear-wheel drive or
all-wheel drive models, with power
outputs of up to 299PS.
Order books are due to open
in September 2026, with three
familiar trim levels available: SE L,
Edition and SportLine.
Measuring almost 4.9 metres long,
the Peaq is now the largest vehicle in
the Škoda range and can comfortably
seat seven adults.
Practicality has always been a Škoda
strength and the Peaq continues that
tradition. It offers 299 litres of boot
space with all seven seats in use,
expanding to 890 litres with the third
row folded and an impressive 2,075
litres when both rear rows are folded
flat. A useful 37-litre front storage
compartment provides space for
charging cables or other items.
The design takes inspiration from
the Vision 7S concept and features
Škoda’s latest ‘Modern Solid’ styling,
including the illuminated Tech-Deck
Face, full LED Matrix headlights and
aerodynamic alloy wheels ranging
from 19 to 21 inches.
Inside, the Peaq features a clean,
contemporary cabin centred around
a 13.6-inch vertical touchscreen
infotainment system, complemented
by a 10-inch digital driver’s display.
The latest Android-based
infotainment system supports
applications including Google
Maps, Spotify and YouTube,
while a new digital mobile key
allows owners to unlock and start
the vehicle using a compatible
smartphone or smartwatch.
Among the new features
introduced on the Peaq are flushfitting
door handles that extend
automatically when the driver
approaches, improving both
aerodynamics and styling.
The SUV also introduces one of
the largest panoramic glass roofs
ever fitted to a Škoda, featuring
electronically adjustable shading
that allows occupants to control the
amount of sunlight entering the cabin.
As expected, the Peaq includes
a range of Škoda’s trademark
‘Simply Clever’ touches, including
improved washer-equipped wiper
blades, wireless phone charging,
additional USB ports, foldable tables
and practical storage solutions
throughout the cabin.
Selected interior finishes also make
extensive use of sustainable materials,
incorporating more than 50kg of
recycled content.
The Peaq will be offered in two
versions — the 90 and 90x — producing
between 286PS and 299PS.
The all-wheel drive 90x model
accelerates from 0-62mph in just 6.8
seconds, while all versions benefit
from the low centre of gravity
provided by the battery pack.
Rapid charging performance is
equally impressive. Connected to a
suitable high-powered DC charger, the
battery can be recharged from 10 to 80
per cent in around 28 minutes, with
charging speeds of up to 199kW.
The Peaq also supports Vehicleto-Load
(V2L) technology, enabling
owners to power external electrical
QUALITY USED CARS AT GREAT PRICES
equipment such as e-bikes, camping
equipment or caravans directly from
the vehicle’s battery.
The entry-level SE L model comes
well equipped with features including
the 13.6-inch infotainment system,
digital cockpit, heated front and rear
seats, heated windscreen, electric
tailgate, wireless charging and 19-
inch alloy wheels.
Stepping up to Edition adds
Matrix LED headlights, premium
interior trim, Area View camera,
Remote Park Assist and Trained
Parking technology.
The flagship SportLine, priced
from £58,280, gains distinctive black
exterior styling, 20-inch alloy wheels,
sports seats, aluminium pedals and
Dynamic Chassis Control as standard,
giving the SUV a more sporting
appearance and sharper driving
characteristics.
Safety remains a major focus, with
every Peaq equipped as standard
with an extensive suite of driver
assistance systems including Traffic
Sign Recognition, Front Assist, Turn
Assist, Cross Traffic Assist, Blind Spot
Detection and Predictive Adaptive
Cruise Control.
With its combination of long driving
range, rapid charging, seven-seat
practicality and generous equipment
levels, the new Peaq represents
Škoda’s most ambitious electric
vehicle yet and strengthens the
brand’s position in the growing large
electric SUV market.
IDEAL FIRST CAR
IDEAL FIRST CAR
Citroen C4 Picasso
2011, 2.0 diesel, 104,000 miles, automatic grearbox,
7-seater, service history, ice cold air con, bluetooth
phone connection, alloy wheels.
£1,995
Fiat 500 Convertible
2010, 1.2, petrol, manual gearbox, only 74,000 miles
SOLD
since new, 3-door, electric roof, full service history,
electric windows, alloy wheels
£2,995
Volkswagen Golf
2011, 1.6, diesel, manual gearbox, Only £35 road
tax, TDi, 100,000 miles, air conditioning, bluetooth
phone connection, service history.
£2,995
Suzuki Splash
2012, 1.0 Petrol, manual, 118,000 miles, low running
costs, £20 annual tax, full service history, 12 month
MoT, 5-door, electric windows.
£1,695
IDEAL FIRST CAR
Mercedes-Benz A200d
2015, 2.1 diesel, £20 annual tax, AMG Line, 130,000
miles, automatic, 5-door, full service history, sat nav,
cruise control, alloy wheels.
£6,995
Fiat 500 Lounge
2012, 900cc petrol, only 59,000 miles, 3-door, manual,
£20 annual tax, full service history, 12 month MoT,
full leather interior, air con, allow wheels.
£2,795
3 MONTHS WARRANTY INCLUDED
CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED
PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL TO ARRANGE A VIEWING
Fiat 500 Sport
2009, 1.2L, manual, 107,000 miles, full service history,
MoT until Jan 2027, half leather interior, air con,
alloy wheels with good tyres.
£2,295
Fiat 500 Lounge
2012, 1.2 petrol, manual, only 79,000 miles, £20
annual tax, 12 months MoT, panoramic roof, air con,
2 keys, full service history.
£2,695
Call: 07541 717638
or email: sales@ngvs.co.uk
See our latest stock at nextgenvehiclesales.co.uk

26 SPORT
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Rowers pulling out results
ahead of home regatta
BY ANDY BICKERS
BEXHILL Rowing Club members
are in fine form ahead of their own
regatta on Sunday, 5th July.
Rowers stepped on in
competitiveness at Dover in the third
regatta of the season with no less than
five wins, two seconds, three thirds
and a host of league points placings.
Wins started in the men’s senior
fours as first-time senior winners
Seb Ward and Byron Cramp
teamed up with experienced
senior championship winners
Doug Holderway and Kieran
Cahill to romp home.
These four then bettered that result
by clinching first and second in the
senior pairs with Holderway and
Cahill leading Ward and Cramp over
the line in Bexhill’s best result in this
race for many years.
Next it was the turn of the novice
four. Digby Cramp, Jonathan
Wigmore-Hall, Alex Toogood,
Freddie Woodbridge and cox Phil
McCorry fought a race-long battle but
pulled away for victory. The second
four of Noah Landau, Ollie Gillespie,
Emillia Goldsmith, Warren Saxby and
cox Seb Ward came fifth.
Bexhill’s men’s masters 40+ crew
followed up the previous week’s win
with another, putting them into the
championship lead. Phil McCorry,
Senior men’s four winners from left: Cox, Hannah Dixon;
Seb Ward; Doug Holderway; Kieran Cahill; and Byron Cramp
Nick McCorry, James Mouland,
Kieran Cahill and cox Charlie Cooper
led from start to finish.
The fifth victory came in the men’s
double sculls as Kieran Cahill teamed
up with Seb Ward to complete a clean
sweep of four races and four victories.
The second crew of brothers Byron
and Digby Cramp were fourth.
Bexhill placed second and fifth in
the men’s novice sculls final. Byron
Cramp led over Seb Ward for a big
haul of league points.
A third place came in the men’s
masters 50+. Jon Molton, James
Mouland, Clive Bingham and Nick
McCorry were edged into second. The
men’s senior sculls produced another
third courtesy of Phil McCorry.
The men’s Junior-senior four of Jon
Molton, Ollie Gillespie, Alex Toogood,
Freddie Woodbridge and cox
Catherine Richard finished fourth.
More points scoring results
came from the ladies’ crews. In the
women’s junior-senior four Catherine
Senior winners in the four and second in the
pairs Seb Ward (left) and Byron Cramp
Richard, Emillia Goldsmith, Sarah
Reader and Scarlett Jones finished
fifth against a more experienced field.
In the ladies’ masters 40+, Catherine
Richard and Sarah Reader teamed
up with Alex Dickson and Ceri
Wilkinson for sixth.
At Folkestone’s regatta the previous
Sunday, calm seas and sunshine
greeted rowers for 32 races.
Bexhill’s highlights were a win,
five seconds and three thirds. The
win came courtesy of the men’s
masters 40+ crew. Phil McCorry, Nick
McCorry, Clive Bingham and Kieran
Cahill led from start to finish to beat
rivals from Eastbourne.
In the men’s senior pairs, Doug
Holderway and Kieran Cahill finished
ahead of club-mates Seb Ward and
Byron Cramp to wrap up second
and third. The pairs later combined
for a fantastic second in the men’s
senior fours by beating last year’s
champions from Deal.
The next second was in the men’s
masters 50+. Phil McCorry, Jon
Molton, Clive Bingham, Kieran Cahill
and cox Taya Hutton-Mitchell had
a race-long battle with rivals from
Hastings and Eastbourne.
The men’s Junior fours of Alex
Toogood, Freddie Woodbridge, Digby
Cramp, Jonathan Wigmore-Hall
and cox Phil McCorry beat off more
experienced crews for a second.
Toogood, Woodbridge, Cramp and
Wigmore-Hall were also second in
the novice fours.
Phil McCorry equalled his best-ever
finish with yet another runner-up
spot in the men’s senior sculls.
Abi Little, in her first race of the
year, secured a great third place in the
ladies’ novice sculls.
Bexhill’s final third place was
in the men’s novice sculls where
Seb Ward led his club-mate Byron
Cramp over the line.
Other results came from Herbie
Molton and Seb Ward in the men’s
double sculls with a fine fourth. A
sixth for the men’s junior senior fours
for Warren Saxby, Ollie Gillespie,
Alex Toogood, Chris Golding and cox
Catherine Richard was a great result,
too. Taya Hutton-Mitchell & Emillia
Goldsmith were seventh in the ladies’
double sculls final.
Sioux Bradshaw had her first race
combining with Catherine Richard,
Ceri Wilkinson and Sarah Reader in
the ladies’ masters 40+ for seventh.
Sunday’s action in front of the
colonnade starts at 11.30am.
King honours Bexhill
Sailing Club’s Rowsell
BY RACHEL WYNN
BEXHILL Sailing Club is honoured
to have Richard Rowsell MBE,
known to us as Dick, among our
membership. He received an
MBE for voluntary services to
Maritime Safety in the recent King’s
Birthday Honours List.
Dick served 56 years as a coastguard,
with more than 30 of those years
at the Bexhill Station. His courage
and dedication were formally
recognised in 1994, when he received
a Commendation for Meritorious
Service after rescuing two young girls
trapped in sinking mud.
He was also a finalist in the 2004
UK Life Savers Awards following
a dramatic rescue at Beachy Head
and received recognition from the
Prime Minister.
Dick helped establish the
Coastguard Association, serving as
chairman and committee member
for over 40 years while supporting
volunteers and their families.
He has been a member of Bexhill
Sailing Club since 1985, teaching
many a new sailor as a sailing
and power boat instructor. He
still gets to drive a safety boat
occasionally. Congratulations Dick!
Very well deserved.
BSC’s 2026 Learn to Sail Course
started on Saturday May 30 and the
trainees arrived ready and eager to
get on the water. The weather was
kind and the students got their first
taste of being afloat. Until the end of
July, students are learning the Five
Essentials of Sailing. The students
were the guests of honour at a New
Members’ evening on June 20.
The Summer Series continued on
Sunday June 14. The first race was one
for the early risers, launching at 9am.
The course was laid in a rectangle,
heading west towards Eastbourne,
against the incoming tide, light
but gusty NW wind.
The fleet winners were: Slow —
Richard Eagleton with crew Cristina
Terrazas (Firefly); Fast — Dusty
Miller with crew Andy Bullen
(RS400); Novice — Fraser Tod (Laser
Pico). Ben Watts with crew Lisa
Watts and William Watts (Dart 16A)
won Catamaran fleet. Two crew?
William is a pre-schooler; it was a
family affair.
Mum Lisa said: “William absolutely
loved it! He thought he was on a pirate
ship looking for treasure!”
The second race at 11.30am had the
same course layout, but the wind had
shifted, increased, and was swinging
between west, through south, to
south east. Richard Eagleton with
crew Cristina Terrazas won Slow
fleet again. Tony Lane won Fast fleet
(Laser full). Novice fleet was won by
Luke Remon (Laser full). Catamaran
fleet was won uncontested by
Malcolm Brookes with crew Ken
Rowsell in his coastguard uniform. Picture: Lee Floyd
Edwards (Dart 18B).
Saturday Evening Series Race 4 on
June 20 was laid in a triangle, heading
initially towards Eastbourne. A large
swell made the going difficult for the
smaller boats, but the catamarans
loved it. The fleet winners were:
Slow — Rachel Wynn (Comet Xtra);
Fast — Bob Palmer (Laser Radial);
Novice — Miles Booker with crew
Rick Parker (Laser 2000); Catamaran
— Ken Edwards with crew Malcolm
Brookes (Dart 18A).
Sunday June 21’s charity race raised
money for Surfers Against Sewage.
All start as one fleet, so only one set of
results: Sam Coffey (Laser Full) was
1st, Bob Palmer (Laser Radial) 2nd
and Tony Lane (Laser Full) 3rd.
The Summer, Saturday Evening
and Wednesday Evening series
continue this month.
More information at
www.bexhillsailing.club

Award
winning care
homes
Bowes House care home, Hailsham
Hawaiian family fun day
Saturday 25th July, 11am - 4pm
We’re opening our doors to our wonderful local community for a summer
party, and we’d love you to join us. Come along for some Hawaiian-inspired
family fun. There’ll be live music, mocktails, a barbecue, and much more.
To attend please call 01323 315957 or email
lisa.phillips@careuk.com
Trusted to care

28 SPORT
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Sport
Bexhill up and running with
victories across the board
BY MIKE LEGG
AFTER a difficult few weeks at
Bexhill Cricket Club, all three teams
turned in stellar displays over the
weekend of June 20 to produce a
clean sweep of victories for the
first time in 2026.
Following the devastating news of
the passing of much-loved former
overseas player Sam Roberts, Bexhill
needed something to smile about.
The 1st XI travelled to Hailsham
in Sussex League Division Three
East looking for maximum points.
On a warm day and very good pitch,
Hailsham batted first and amassed
261-6. Credit to bowlers Benji
Hammond and Neil Priddy, who both
bowled exceptional spells to ensure
the opposition score never really got
away from Bexhill.
It didn’t thanks in no small part to
Australian Danul Dassanayake —
who lit up the Hailsham oval with
a magnificent 162 not out. Ably
supported by Andrew Jay, the pair
put on 153 runs off just 120 balls to
bring the game home with over six
overs to spare and get Bexhill’s season
up and running.
The 2nd XI also continued their
impressive season as they hosted
Hailsham in Division Eight East.
Skipper Adam Smith and Kamran
Ahmadzai both compiled halfcenturies
in the hosts’ 198-7. Early
wickets were they key for victory and
Jake Beale and the evergreen Jamie
Wicks delivered meaning Bexhill
were not always in the driving seat.
A good Hailsham partnership
briefly threatened to take the
game away from Bexhill, however,
Owen Cullip mopped up the tail to
ensure 30 points.
Buoyed by their first win of the
season the previous week, the new
Bexhill 3rds backed it up against
Rye. The young side struggled in the
heat, fielding for longer than they are
used to, but Ethan Catt once again
showed his immense promise with
figures of 2–54.
A Rye total of 296 was always going
to be a tough chase — but chase it
they did, thanks to 74 from Harry
Strugnell, 54 from Keiran Mahon and
43 from Simon Catt.
The game went down to the wire,
with captain Luke Keeler nudging one
run off the final ball for a remarkable
victory that lifted Bexhill into fourth
place in their debut season.
However, the club’s recent results
have been dominated by the newly
formed ladies’ team — the Bexhill
Pink Grapefruits. Playing in the
Lacuna Sports Festival at Hove,
the side contested their first two
ever competitive matches. Despite
losing both, it was the occasion that
mattered, and a new team was born.
Fixtures against Little Common
Ramblers are upcoming, with the
growth of the women’s and girls’
game at the club one of the standout
highlights of 2026 so far.
LITTLE COMMON RAMBLERS
Little Common
Ramblers are still
going great guns
in their first
season in Division
Two and have
strengthened their
Varun Khullar side with the return
of a familiar face to the bowling attack
— Varun Khullar.
Seam bowler Khullar has been
a huge part of the club’s rise up
the Sussex Cricket League ladder
and took most wickets in Division
Four two years ago before helping
the club to promotion last season
in a fearsome bowling attack
alongside Kaleb Auld.
Last month started with a washout
but an impressive 51-run win over
Preston Nomads followed.
Going into last weekend (June
27) Jon Meredith’s side sat third in
the table following the previous
Saturday’s three-wicket triumph over
East Grinstead.
Auld again played a key role
as he claimed seven of the first
eight wickets to fall as Grinstead
struggled to 83-8.
The hosts put up late resistance
though as Mathew Ritchie hit
an unbeaten 61 in their 166
all out. Auld finished with a
superb 7-65 from 15 overs as he
moved on to 23 victims for the
campaign to lead the Division
Two wicket-taking table.
Ramblers found themselves
31-2 in reply as their openers went
cheaply but the middle order of
Malcolm Johnson (43), Auld (37) and
Tom Powell, with a 61-ball 60, got
them back on track.
Common did have a blip as they
went from 149-4 to 163-7 before they
completed the job.
Skipper Meredith refuses to get
carried away despite the strong start.
He said: “We’re taking it week by
week, but securing our place in this
division remains the priority.
“Kaleb has been outstanding but
he’s had great support from others
in the squad, and that will be key to
maintaining our momentum.”
Sidley are setting the pace in
Division Nine East and picked up
back-to-back wins this month after
their first match was washed out.
Against Tunbridge Wells 4ths on
20 June, they restricted the visitors
to 151-8 in their 40 overs with
Sabbi Ahmed taking 4-24. Opener
Hussain Ahmed’s 51-ball 52 then
set up the win as Abdul Aziz Sheikh
contributed 52 not out.
Cup interest over
for trio of OBs sides
BY ROB CAREY
OLD Bexhillians’ three teams — The
Over-50s, Over-65s and Over-70s
— will not progress further in the
Walking Football Association’s
National Cup this year.
The Over-50s lost out to Insulators
WFC (Paddock Wood), while the Over-
65s were narrowly knocked out by
Herne Bay. Worthing WFC ended The
Seniors’ run although for the first time
they progressed to the second round.
OBs’ Over-50s and Over-60s Atha
sides took part in an event early in June
at the home of Tonbridge Angels WFC.
The summer is well and truly
here, and it was difficult to round up
players due to holidays and other
commitments. Although no trophies
or cups were brought back, all the
lads did well in the heat and the club
thanked them all. A club official said
that this was a good example of a wellorganised
tournament.
It is all change at the club in terms of
managers — nobody has been sacked,
with their mega buck contracts still
being paid up — it’s all down to the
inevitable changes in the players’
domestic responsibilities.
Rob “Raz” Carey has had to step
down from managing the club’s
Bexhill Seniors whilst The OBs
Team will also shortly announce a
new manager(s). Little Common
Wonderers will have four with Andy
Poultier, Steve Merchant, Charlie
Cochrane and Neil Sutcliffe looking
after the team.
The Over-60s will be managed by
Roger Kidney with assistance from
Hassan Hassan. The Seniors will also
have a new faces or faces in place
before too long.
Members can stay up to date with
club activities on its Facebook page
while there is also a weekly email
available if desired.
Meanwhile, Little Common
Recreation Ground is the venue for the
club’s Tuesday morning sessions and
a great opportunity for players to play
on grass again.
The summer Thursday evening
sessions are at Bexhill College’s 3G
surface in Penland Road, Bexhill, as is
the Saturday morning session.
The club welcomes enquiries
from women over 40 and men
over 50 interested in walking
football. Contact the club chair,
Mick Davies, on 07961 008743 or at
mickdavies48@gmail.com.
Price freeze at Pirates
BEXHILL United have frozen admission prices for the 2026-27 season
and extended free entry to all under 18s as part of a push to attract more
young supporters.
New signings have been announced including the return of Tom Vickers.
Prices remain: Adults £7, Concessions £5, Under 18s free (including under
12s with an adult). Season tickets: Adults £85, Concessions £45